Types of Sexual Abuse

Abuse comes in many forms. We use the term "sexual abuse" to describe any kind of sexual violence, abuse, coercion or harassment, whether the survivor was a child or an adult. ﻿Child Sexual Abuse﻿ - Also referred to as child molestation, child sexual abuse is when an adult or another child uses a child for their own sexual gratification. This includes asking or pressuring a child to perform or engage in sexual activities, indecent exposure to the child, physical sexual contact with a child, or using a child to produce child pornography.

Child sexual abuse commonly involves incest, which is another issue that can cause long term psychological trauma, especially if the family member is closely related.

Rape - The use of force (through threats, intimidation, or physical means) to have sex without consent. This includes stranger rape, acquaintance rape, partner rape, and statutory rape. Anyone may be a victim of rape, including children, adults, women, men, gay, and heterosexual persons.

Rape is one of the most misunderstood forms of sexual violence in our society. In about 8 out of 10 rapes no weapon is used other than the use of physical force.

Sexual Assault - The term sexual assault is used in a variety of ways, but usually means any unwanted sexual act not including rape. In some states the legal definition of sexual assault is interchangeable with rape.

Sexual Coercion - Coercion is a tactic used by perpetrators to intimidate, trick, or force someone to perform sexual acts or have sex with him or her without the use of physical force. Coercion is a way for perpetrators to gain power and control over the victim. When coercion is used to perform sexual acts with another person it is a form of sexual assault.

Sexual Harassment - Any unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature. Sexual harassment can happen at any place, including at work, at school, at church, or in other social groups, and can negatively impact performance (such as work or school performance).

Stalking - Stalking is “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that involves repeated visual or physical proximity, nonconsensual communication, or verbal, written, or implied threats, or a combination thereof, that would cause a reasonable person fear.” (read more)

Are you the victim of sexual abuse?Anyone can realize at any point in time that they were the victim of sexual abuse, even if the event happened many months or many years ago. If you were the victim of sexual abuse, or have reason to believe you were the victim of sexual abuse, it's important that you talk to someone about your experience and your feelings.